Food Companies Intentionally Make Their Products Addictive, and It’s Leading to Chronic Diseases
From The Observatory
Do you find it hard to stop eating chips until the bag is empty? You’re not alone. This is because many snack foods are designed to make us crave more. Jennifer Kaplan, a food expert, explains that humans naturally like high-fat and high-sugar foods. Food scientists know this and create foods with even more sugar and fat than natural foods. One common additive is high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS), found in many foods like pasta sauce and bread, making them more addictive.
HFCS is everywhere, even in products that don't taste sweet, like ketchup and salad dressing. This ingredient is linked to overconsumption of “empty” calories, which can lead to obesity and other health issues, especially in low-income households. These households consume more processed foods because they are cheaper and have a longer shelf life.
Studies show that HFCS and salt can be as addictive as drugs like cocaine. Craig Smith, a neuroscientist, found that eating a lot of salt makes people crave it more. Salt is used in many foods as a preservative and flavor enhancer, even in items that don't taste salty.
Eating too much salt can raise blood pressure and strain the heart, kidneys, and brain, leading to serious health problems. Despite knowing this, many Americans still consume high levels of salt and sugar, leading to widespread obesity. Nearly 42 percent of American adults and 1 in 6 children are affected by obesity, causing health issues like heart disease and diabetes.
To combat this, the USDA plans to limit added sugars in school lunches beginning in 2027. Experts recommend moderation and reading nutrition labels to avoid foods high in sugar and salt. Additionally, there is a call for government policies to promote healthier eating by taxing unhealthy foods and subsidizing healthier options.
Read the full article “Food Companies Intentionally Make Their Products Addictive, and It’s Leading to Chronic Diseases” by Melissa Kravitz Hoeffner
🔭 This summary was human-edited with AI-assist.
